I actually meant to write this blog post after I returned from our last cruise in February(!). For some reason, I never finished it ... and a couple of days ago I found the draft in a file, along with a selection of photographs that I was going to use. Rather than let it languish on my computer's hard drive, I decided to complete it
Models and paintings of warships
The museum's collection includes a large painting of the Spanish fleet during a royal review.
It was painted at a time when the major fleets of the world were introducing steam-powered ironclads into service, and several of them can be seen in the following details from the painting.
Amongst the model warships on display there were an 80-gun warship (probably the guide model for the Havana-built San Carlos, San Luis, and San Fernando), ...
... a 1930s C-class submersible, ...
...the 1930s British-designed, heavy cruiser Canarias, ...
... and the American-designed Knox-class frigate Cataluna.
Models of merchant ships
The museum also has a large number of models of merchant ships, many of which were operated by Spanish companies. The models include the City of Paris, ...
... the Cairo (later known as Royal Edward), ...
... the Reina Victoria Eugenia, ...
... the Ciudad de Sevilla, ...
... the Romeu, ...
... the Michelangelo, ...
... Villa de Madrid, ...
... and the Infanta Isabel de Borbon.
Grest looking photos Bob. What a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteRay Rousell,
DeleteForget going up Las Ramblas! The next time you go to a Barcelona, you must go to the Maritime Museum!
All the best,
Bob
I’m glad you found the draft. Nice looking ship models. I especially like the Villa de Madrid. Looks an interesting building. Was it a former dockside warehouse?
ReplyDeleteNundanket,
DeleteThat is a particularly nice model.
The museum is housed inside the former covered slipway building used to construct galleys. In fact, a replica galley forms one of the museum’s main exhibits.
All the best,
Bob
Been there and I remember the galley on display. Was that building not used as a monastery as some point?
DeleteJim Duncan,
DeleteIt may well have been used as a convent or monastery at some point in its history, but I don’t remember seeing that information anywhere whilst I was there.
All the best,
Bob
My mistake Bob. The museum I am thinking of is in Lisbon.
DeleteJim Duncan,
DeleteI know the museum you mean ... and it was a monastery.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob, I remember it well, especially the massive galley down the centre of the ground floor. Cheers Greg
ReplyDeleteDelta Coy (Greg),
DeleteI had not realised that you’d been to the museum.
It is a very impressive building, and has been renovated over recent years to a very high standard.
All the best,
Bob
Great models
ReplyDeleteLoved the Canarias in particular
Geordie an Exiled FoG,
DeleteThe model of the Canarias depicts her as she was rebuilt after the SCW, which is why she has two funnels and not the single large one she was built with.
All the best,
Bob
Hi BOB,
ReplyDeleteI certainly like the Oil Painting of the Iron Clads - transition of sail to steam- fascinating Naval Ships. Regards. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteThat period of transition from sail and wood to steam and iron/steel is an intriguing one, with lots of odd designs being tried, some of which were successful and others that were disasters.
All the best,
Bob
If you ever visit Paris, you should go to the Maritime Museum there at the Trocadero. It's also really good.
ReplyDeleteRed_Cardinal,
DeleteThanks for the recommendation. I may well pay the museum a visit ... when the pandemic is finally over.
All the best,
Bob
Bob, there are more detailed photos. of the Royal Edward on my website:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.royaledward.net/models-of-the-c-n-r-passenger-liners/
Kath.
Kath,
DeleteThank you very much for sharing this link to additional photos of the Royal Edward.
All the best,
Bob